We have been doing a fun new feature where I highlighted other gluten-free bloggers that I think are doing a great job in the gluten-free community. I have many ideas for bloggers in mind but if you know of someone you would just love to see featured (or you would like to be featured yourself) please e-mail me at glutenfreefrenzy@gmail.com.
The gluten-free blogger I will be featuring today just radiates with the passion and love she has for gluten-free cooking. She is honest and sweet in her approach to gluten-free living. I now introduce to you, Alta of Tasty Eats At Home!
Please tell everyone a little about yourself.
My name is Alta Mantsch. I’m 30 years old and happily married to a wonderful man with 3 children. In my non-blog life, I work as a compliance manager for a credit union. So, my days are busy. I also play amateur indoor soccer – it’s a great way to stay in shape and relieve stress.
Please tell me about your gluten-free blog.
I manage a gluten-free food blog, Tasty Eats At Home, where I share gluten-free recipes, cooked from scratch. Many are healthy and easy to prepare, and most are very budget-friendly. I do, however, enjoy an occasional splurge – and an occasional dessert! I also have a biweekly event on the blog called Kids in the Kitchen. Each weekend that the kids visit, one of the kids has a turn in the kitchen, where we prepare a meal of their choice, completely from scratch. I feel it’s so valuable for them to learn to cook more than just a boxed meal!
How long have you been blogging? Almost 2 years
Why did you start a gluten-free blog?
Well, it didn’t start as a gluten-free blog. It was just a blog that I started to share my cooking adventures and recipes with a few friends and family. Little did I know what an amazing community I’d discover! When I became gluten-free in June 2009, I focused my blog on gluten-free cooking. I’d already become acquainted with gluten-free cooking (My father is a diagnosed celiac, and my brother and sister both live gluten-free and have improved significantly on the diet), so I felt this was an easy transition. Looking back, the transition hasn’t been as easy as I thought, but I’ve learned a great deal, and hopefully I’ve shared that with my readers. My aim is to provide delicious, nutritious gluten-free recipes, and I also strive to take the stress out of a gluten-free lifestyle.
What kinds of products do you feature on your blog?
I don’t really “feature” any products in particular – just those that I come across that I really enjoy. I prefer to make my own GF baking mixes, but I will use a Pamela’s baking mix in a pinch (they’re the best I’ve found), and I mention certain products that I come across that I find particularly delicious, nutritious, or that I know for certain are gluten-free.
What would you like to see with your gluten-free blog in the future?
I would love to become a valuable resource to people in various stages of a gluten-free lifestyle – from those that are overwhelmed and newly diagnosed, to those who want to venture into gluten-free baking, to those seasoned veterans just looking for a new recipe.
What do you love about gluten-free blogging most?
I love when I hear from a reader “Oh wow, I thought I’d never be able to eat “X” again! Thank you so much!” Those of us following a gluten-free diet know what it’s like to go through mourning of our favorite gluten-containing foods. It’s such a special event when we find a gluten-free alternative that truly tastes good.
Do you do giveaways? If so, what was your favorite giveaway?
On occasion I do giveaways. I am picky about what products I give away – I only want to share high-quality things that I truly believe in with my readers. So far, my favorite giveaway for the Xagave nectar and a cookbook. I really enjoyed that book and wanted to share in my excitement with a lucky reader.
Tell me some of your favorite gluten-free blogs that you read.
Oh, I hope I don’t leave anyone out! I read:
http://simplysugarandglutenfree.com
http://elanaspantry.com
http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com
http://adventuresofaglutenfreemom.com
http://crockpot365.blogspot.com
http://iamglutenfree.blogspot.com
http://thedallasceliac.blogspot.com
http://glutenfreeeasily.com
http://glutenfreehomemaker.com
http://surefoodsliving.com
http://glutenfreehope.blogspot.com/
http://thedailydietribe.com
http://thewholegang.org
http://glutenfreeforgood.com
http://gingerlemongirl.blogspot.com
How can people find you?
Check me out at http://tastyeatsathome.wordpress.com, or email me at alta2924@hotmail.com
How wonderful to learn a little more about Alta! She's one of my favorites.
I'm honored to be included in her list of favorite reads with so many other great bloggers! Makes me wish I'd listed a few more. There are so many terrific gf blogs I keep discovering. (There's even one in this list that's new to me.) Thanks, Alta, and thanks, Chandice, for this great ongoing series!
Shirley